A new Pokémon game has arrived on Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch online users with the Expansion Pack upgrade can now play classic GameCube RPGs Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness as part of their subscription. Arrival Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness came to Nintendo Switch Online just over two weeks after it was confirmed to release on Pokémon Day.

Nintendo regularly releases some retro titles for Switch Online subscribers to enjoy through Nintendo Classics apps themed on various consoles such as the NES and SNES. While a Nintendo Switch Online subscription normally costs $20/year, upgrading to the Expansion Pack will increase the annual price by $30, up to $50/year. The Expansion Pack upgrade provides access to even more Nintendo console applications, including Game Boy Advance, GameCube and N64. However, the GameCube app is exclusive to the Switch 2 console. To celebrate Mario Day 2026, Nintendo has added Switch Online mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Clashand Mario's tennis for users to enjoy.

The new Switch 2 feature makes Switch 1 games run much better on the platform.

The new Switch 2 console update is a game changer

Nintendo is releasing a system update for the Switch 2, introducing a feature that can noticeably improve the way Switch 1 games run on the console.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is now on Nintendo Switch Online

Now Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have another GameCube title to add to their collections. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is the ninth game to be added to the growing GameCube roster. The GameCube app was last updated in January 2026, p Fire Emblem: Path of Shining assembly connection via surprise update. Users with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription must update the GameCube app to the latest version to play Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. Arrival Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness in the GameCube app, it was first mentioned in April 2025 during a Nintendo Direct episode. On Pokemon Day 2026 Storm of Darkness the release window narrowed to March, though the exact date remained unclear.

Originally launched in August 2005, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a turn-based RPG that uses gameplay elements found in the third main generation of Pokémon games, including Pokémon abilities that can affect the course of battle. As a sequel to 2003 Pokemon Colosseum, Storm of Darkness takes place in the Orre region. Like its predecessor, the plot of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness revolves around catching Shadow Pokemon and purifying them. The most powerful Shadow Pokémon in the game, called Shadow Lugia, is featured prominently on the game's cover art. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness it also marked the debut of two Generation 4 pets, Munchlax and Bonsly. surprisingly Pokemon Colosseum not available on Switch Online as of this writing. Since the sequel arrived on the GameCube before the original game, the decision not to launch Pokemon Colosseum before Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness he left some Pokemon fans confused. At the time of writing, it is unclear when Pokemon Colosseum will launch on the GameCube app, so fans will have to wait for more information.

GameCube titles available on Nintendo Switch Online + expansion pack (March 17, 2026)

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
Chibi-Robo! Join the adventure
Fire Emblem: Path of Shining
F-Zero GX
Luigi's mansion
SoulCalibur 2
Super Mario Strikers
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
World of Wario

However, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness has a major caveat for players to remember before launching the GameCube app. The original GameCube release of the game included Game Boy Advance connectivity via a dedicated cable that went from the GBA's Link Cable port to the open controller port on the GameCube. This connection allowed players to send purified Pokémon Storm of Darkness up to and including Gen 3 titles Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreenand allowed players to use their GBA Pokémon teams to host battles Storm of Darkness. However, the Switch Online version has no such connectivity with the others Pokemon games and applications. Therefore, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is incompatible with Pokemon Home and Switch versions Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Despite the caveats, the main story of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness can be played in full. WITH Storm of Darkness Now available on the GameCube app, it remains to be seen which of the top-rated GameCube titles will appear in a future update.